Mary Smith

Mary Jane (Rogers) Smith was born on March 30, 1947 in Colby, Kansas to her parents, Stanley and Frances Eleanor(Mumm) Rogers of Selden, Kansas. She lost her battle to metastasized triple negative breast cancer on Friday, August 9, 2019 at the age of 72.

Mary Jane was the oldest of five children. Her childhood years were spent on the family farm between Rexford and Selden where she helped milk cows, slop hogs, dress chickens and many other farm chores with her family. She loved playing basketball and was proud to play on one of the first girls basketball teams formed. She graduated from Rexford High School with the class of 1965.

In October 1965 Mary Jane married Robert C. Petersen, whom she later divorced. To this union three daughters were born: Sheila, Donna and Amy. She worked hard to provide for her family, and this often included several jobs. Mary progressed into a position at Production Credit Association (later Farm Credit of Western KS). She went on to retire from there after 41 years of service. Mary’s hard work ethic and honesty were values she was proud of and showed in her years of dedication.

Mary Jane was married to Cecil H. (Bud) Smith Jr. on January 17, 1981 in Colby. This union added three stepdaughters: Tina, Missy and Sandy all of Hays.

Mary Jane was passionate about supporting her many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren by attending their many sporting and school/church activities. This often required traveling great distances to enjoy watching them. In her grandchildren’s younger years, many weekends of fun were spent enjoying time at Trenton Lake.

Upon retirement, Mary Jane nurtured her garden and many flower beds where she found peace in puttering around. She had the gift to gab, often being the last one to leave an event enjoying good conversation. She played Bunko with family and friends and enjoyed being a volunteer greeter at Sacred Heart Parish. The many friendships she shared during her life were reflected in the compassionate outpour of visitors who came to the hospital to tell her how she had touched their lives. Mary Jane was incredibly humbled by this reflection of her life.

With retirement, came time to travel where Mary Jane and Bud headed south to Arizona in their RV to join other snowbirds. The friends they made in Arizona became treasured friendships. They also traveled to Australia for several adventures sightseeing and enjoying their daughter Amy and her family.

Survivors include her husband, Bud Smith of Colby; daughters Sheila (Jim) VonLehe of Ness City, Amy (Shane) Green, of Sydney, Australia; stepdaughters Tina (Don) Stejskal, Missy (Steve) Thomason, Sandy Smith, all of Hays; siblings Donald(Kathy) Rogers, Dennis (Marla) Rogers, Marilyn (Paul) Bailey, and Sara (Steve) Juenemann; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Donna Petersen-Handy.

We find comfort in knowing she rests in peace and her suffering on earth has ended. She will be forever loved and missed.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, with a Vigil at 7. Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby followed by burial at 3:00 p.m. at the Selden Cemetery, Selden, KS. Memorials are suggested to the Mary Jane Smith Memorial Fund for local community orginizations. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com